The Finish: Moving to heel from the sit in front position

Now that your dog knows to come when called and sit in front, we need to teach him to move to heel on command from this remote sit position.

To Flip or Not

There are two ways your dog can get to heel from the remote sit. First, he can move forward to your right and pass behind you,ending at heel on your left. Alternatively, he can move to your left and pivot, swinging his rear wider than his head, ending up facing forward sitting at heel.

If your dog finishes behind you as in the first method, he is out of sight when he passes behind you; some dogs will try to take advantage of this. For field dogs and dogs in working situations use the second method, the swing finish, and you will keep him in front and in view at all times.

Run from the Left or Right Side ?

Many trainers teach their dogs to heel and run from the left only. Some choose to run dogs on both sides. If you want to run from both sides teach your dog to flip both ways. Simply use the mirror image of the steps below to teach finish to the right side.

Objective 1: Teaching Steps

After praising your dog for coming when called, place the leash in your left hand with a short grip, leaving no slack. Command Heel, begin e-collar tapping, leave your right foot in place, and take a big step back and out with your left foot as you sweep your left hand back and away from your body. If you are standing on the center of a clock facing 12, your step and arm sweep would be toward seven. This step, the sweeping left arm signal, and the taps will move your dog wide and behind you.

Next, step forward, do not release any slack in the leash. As you do, pull the leash forward and into your body. Your dog’s head should turn into you as he changes direction; your step forward will bring you back to your original position. He is moving at heel so have him sit when he stops moving. Once he is seated by your side, pause and then praise him before heeling off.

***Do not pause after stepping back. This should be one smooth, two-step motion.***

Practice the finish 15 or 20 times a day. After four or five days of practice on this your dog shoul know the exercise and you can drop the instructional step.

Objective 2: Finish on Command

Call your dog Here to sit in front, praise him. Gather the leash in your right hand leaving a little slack and hold it at your belt buckle. Now without taking the instructional step, use the same motion you have been doing with your left arm as a signal and command Heel. After the signal return your left hand to grasp your leash in front. When your dog gets into heel position praise him, pause then heel off.

If he fails to move on command or stops halfway through the motion, Re-command Heel, add
e-collar tap and use your big step out and back while you sweep the arm signal again with the leash in your left hand. However, this time, the signal should not just guide your dog into position but should rapidly take the slack out of the leash. The leash pop, the e-collar tap and your step should get and keep your dog moving all the way to a nice sit by your side. When your dog gets into heel position praise him, pause then heel off.

From now on command heel without the teaching step. Praise him when he gets to heel and use the leash pop and e-collar tap to encourage him to move should he choose not to. Allow him time and experience to decide which he prefers.